Newton Seeking Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant

Newton MA

31 August, 2021

9:23 AM

Description

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton is currently seeking proposals for a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Consultant to help create a more understanding and inclusive environment for all residents. The hired consultant will help Newton expand, develop, and implement DE&I initiatives including increasing workforce and government diversity, building support for DE&I in city departments, and expanding employees' cultural responsiveness. "Mayors have come and gone and spoken to the goal of long-term systemic change to actualize diversity, equity, and inclusion within Newton's city government and across our community," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a community update Friday. "I want to ensure the creation of a plan and take the actions to institutionalize equity and social justice, reinforce inclusion, affirm diverse identities and experiences, support victims of hate and bias, foster respect among all of us and celebrate difference." The city will begin this effort by partnering with residents, organizations, and groups such as the Human Rights Commission, Newton Housing Partnership, Newton Coalition of Black Residents, and Families Organizing for Racial Justice who are committed to making lasting change. In addition to hiring a DE&I Consultant, Newton also plans to create a DEI Strategic Advisory Committee made up of residents, employees, visitors, and other community members. Newton already has several DE&I efforts underway, including implementing recommendations from the Newton Police Reform Task Force, helping small businesses through Project Pop-up, planning to transform the West Newton Armory into permanently affordable housing, and launching comprehensive bias training sessions for city employees. To view the city's official Request for Proposals for a DE&I consultant, click here.